55: Five More Questions for Jennifer Johnson Cano
6. Outside of performing well, what is the most important thing you can do to help grow a career?
I would say the most important thing you can do to grow a career outside of making the best music you can is to eagerly learn from those with whom you work. Don't confuse the idea of networking as something that is shallow. Invest in those relationships. Learn from people. Ask people for advice, and be generous with them in turn. It's not just about meeting and ticking boxes with people. It's, it's really about listening and sharing and continuing to nurture those relationships along the way.
7. What kind of long term strategy do you bring to your career?
I have no strategy! I have no strategy in my career. Instead, I would maybe say that my over– the overwhelming goal of my life as a musician would be to make the best music I can for as long as I'm able. And I think that that comes from a willingness to learn always, and the eagerness to try new things to do, pieces I've never done before, to delve into a composer that I've never really worked on before. Always being open to discovery is, for me, the thing I think will keep me at my best for as long as possible.
8. How should musicians begin to interpret and perform new music?
My approach to new music really isn't any different than my approach to the sort of standard repertoire, as we would say. It's still about following the instructions from the composer on the page and seeking truth in what you're capable of doing as a musician and to illuminate whatever truths may be part of the score. So I don't approach modern day music any differently than I would approach Bach or Mozart or Schubert. It's still in awe and excitement and with the same veracity and intensity as any other composer.
9. What does it mean to be fully prepared?
When I think of what it means to be fully prepared to walk into a rehearsal, I think that that means I have worked out enough details and given the piece enough thought that I can then be flexible. I always joke with people that really all musicians want is to walk into a room and jam with people. The best rehearsals are the ones where you don't have to do a lot of talking, but that means that being prepared means being in a place where you can be outside of yourself and listen to what your colleagues are doing. Try new things and to generously serve the music.
10. What are the most challenging aspects of maintaining a career?
I actually think one of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a career for anyone, not just musicians, is work-life balance. It can be a daunting task. And personally, for myself, I found that the best way is to schedule that time. When you're on the road finding out what cities your friends are in. If you're close by and you can see them, if you can make a trip to see your family. Thank goodness for technology. We can use that in such a multitude of ways to keep in touch with people that we love. But I've learned to enjoy my travels more over the years, by forcing myself to go out into the world and try things. I used to be quite isolated when I was on the road because I was so focused on this end result of the performance. And now, again, I stick to some of the advice that I was given way back when, which is you have to live your life. So now, whatever city I'm in, I try to go to the museums in that city. I try to check out local restaurants and meet up with people in that place that I may already know. So it's– it takes some effort for some of us. For some people, it's quite easy. But I find that making the effort, scheduling the time in my day, and being curious. That curiosity will just lead you to new discovery.